The Sabres begin a four game homestand tonight as they host the Detroit Red Wings at the First Niagara Center at 5 p.m. They look to break a nine game losing streak against one of their division foes.
Along with the next four contests at home, the Sabres will host 9 of 13 games this month, including Montreal twice.
It’s been a brutal start for Ted Nolan and his team as Buffalo are out to a 2-9-1 record. Buffalo was blanked by Pittsburgh on Saturday night, being shutout for the 5th time in this young season. The NHL record for times being shutout in one season is 16.
“It’s the same recipe and the same results,” Sabres coach Ted Nolan said. “It’s 1-0, we had a little bit of pressure in the second period, then we have a turnover and it’s [2-0], then we take a penalty and then the game’s over. The confidence factor right now, if we get down by two goals, it doesn’t seem like we have the will to battle back.”
Tonight marks the first meeting of the season between Buffalo and Detroit. The Sabres scored just six times during last year’s season series, a span of four games. The Red Wings haven’t lost to Buffalo since October 13th, 2009.
Henrik Zetterberg and the Red Wings are out to a quick start. Zetterberg has recorded 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 10 games while his team is 6-2-2.
Detroit are beginning a three game road trip, all of which occurs throughout the next four nights, beginning in Buffalo and stopping in Ottawa and back to New York for a meeting with the Rangers.
This homestand does allow for the Sabres to accomplish something they have not done in months. The last time the Sabres won a game in regulation on home ice was February 28th, a 4-2 victory over the Sharks, a span of 12 home games and 34 in total.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the First Niagara Center tonight and the game can be seen on MSG.